Following the latest public health advice, Western Australia's controlled interstate border will be safely adjusted, pending no further outbreaks, with travel from Queensland permitted from 12.01am, Monday, February 1 2021.
The transition for Queensland follows the latest public health advice and comes a week after the Chief Health Officer indicated that the unique situation in Queensland could allow for the State to transition to 'very low risk' from February 1.
Victoria will also be re-classified 'very low risk' from 12.01am, Friday, February 5, 2021, pending no further outbreaks.
Under the 'very low risk' category, safe travel is permitted into WA subject to the following updated conditions:
- completion of a G2G Pass declaration, stipulating they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and which jurisdictions the traveller has been in over the previous 14 days;
- all Perth Airport arrivals to undergo a health screening and temperature test;
- travellers to be prepared to take a COVID-19 test at the airport COVID clinic, if deemed necessary by a health clinician (voluntary asymptomatic testing also available); and
- land arrivals to be met at the border checkpoint, for a health screening and to have their G2G Pass declaration checked.
Other jurisdictions currently in the 'very low risk' category include the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania.
Victoria is set to achieve 28 days of no community cases during the week (if no cases are recorded up to and including February 2). The State Government always takes an extra cautious approach, and will wait until Friday to reclassify Victoria.
New South Wales remains at 'low risk' category, which means travel is permitted subject to strict conditions including 14 days of self-quarantine and COVID-19 testing.
The WA Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor and review border controls to determine if any further adjustments can be made in the future.
The controlled interstate border is enacted under the Emergency Management Act and failure to follow these directions will be enforceable by law, with penalties ranging from $1,000 infringements to up to $50,000 fines for individuals.
More information on travel to WA is available at http://www.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Western Australia was the first jurisdiction to respond to outbreaks over east and adjust our border controls - this was done to help keep WA safe and strong.
"I understand it caused frustration for some people, and I thank them for what they did to help keep COVID-19 out of the WA community.
"Our extra cautious approach has worked, and now we can continue to follow the health advice and safely adjust our controlled interstate border.
"Both States were recently subject to different outbreaks, both were concerning and warranted a border clamp down.
"With the re-classification of Queensland and Victoria to 'very low risk' occurring in the same week, we need to be mindful of the operational impacts on our authorities and border operations and services, and people are encouraged to be patient as these changes take place over coming days.
"Our WA community and economy remains strong because of our cautious and careful approach, which continues keep us safe and free from COVID-19 community transmission."
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"This another important step in our journey to keep Western Australia safe from COVID-19.
"Controlling our borders has been a key part of preventing any community spread of the disease for more than nine months.
"We will continue to act on the health advice while doing everything possible to keep COVID-19 out of Western Australia.
"We are grateful for the support of all Western Australians in making our wonderful State one of the safest places in the world.
"Let's continue on that journey together - and don't forget the basics of good hygiene, physical distancing and using the SafeWA app when you are out and about."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
